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The authority of federal courts to issue the writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum was included in the first grant of federal court jurisdiction, made by the Judiciary Act of 1789, c. 20, § 14, 1 Stat. 81, with the limitation that the writ extend only to prisoners held in custody by the United States. It is now well established that the phrase 'habeas corpus,' used alone, refers to the common law writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum, known as the 'Great Writ.' 8 U. S. 95 (1807) (Marshall, C.J.). The original statutory authorization did not define the substantive reach of the writ. ...